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From lush vineyards and sunny coastlines to bustling cities and small villages, France offers multiple vacation options for adventure and leisure travelers. However, there is more to this country than the popular sights of the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum. To experience a different side of France, explore the little-known areas and get creative with your itinerary.

Ski Vacations

According to France Travel Secrets, the ski resorts in the Aravis region are "relatively undiscovered by visitors outside of France." At La Clusaz (laclusaz.com), enjoy mountain sports like skiing and snowboarding as you roam the alpine village's grocery stores, shops, restaurants and pubs. Other activities like ice skating, snowshoeing and sledding are available for children. In the tiny town of Samoens (samoens.com), enjoy the local theater and savor wine tastings at family-owned shops. When you're ready for outdoor activities, go dog sledding or tobogganing.

Biking and Hiking Adventures

For a unique outdoor experience, consider the six-day Loire Yoga Bike Tour offered by DuVine Adventures (duvine.com). Wake up every morning to an energizing yoga class taught by a certified instructor. Then head out on your bicycle and pedal past country houses, medieval towns and sprawling castles. Meals, accommodations and equipment are included. For a self-guided itinerary, take the seven-night route through the Jora Mountains suggested by Hooked on Walking (walking-Europe.co.uk). Roam the wine village of Pupillin, explore the Cave of les Planches and admire views from the hilltop town, Chateau-Chalon. Accommodations, maps and two dinners are provided as of 2011.

Food and Wine Tours

France is certainly known for its exquisite wine and food, so why not indulge on your visit? Burgundy on a Plate (burgundyonaplate.com) offers a Vineyards of Cote Chalonnaise tour that includes cellar visits, tastings and a gourmet lunch. On the Wine and Cooking itinerary, be schooled in cuisine by a French chef. To get away on a romantic excursion, consider the two-night weekend tour hosted by Bordeaux Wine Experience (bxwinex.com). Sleep in a small cottage with a hot tub bathroom, taste different varietals and savor a three-course meal that is typical of France's southwest region.

Theme Tours

Travelers in search of a fright might consider the Paris ghost tour offered by Mysteries of Paris (mysteriesofparis.com). On this 90-minute spooky adventure, visit graveyards, learn about a grisly Parisian murder and visit a haunted theatre that may have been the inspiration for Phantom of the Opera. Art scholars might be tempted by the five-hour Giverny and Monet journey hosted by Viator (viator.com). Visit the home and painting workshop of Claude Monet and discover how he became known as the "Master of Impressionism."

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About the Author

Bobby Suds has professionally written stories and reviews since 2005. He has been published in "Frontiers Magazine" and online at The Big Jewel and Opium.com, blending his unique style of humor with informative topics. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Notre Dame.